Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

Apr 1927 - Apr 1929

Publication Date

:

1929

First Performance

:

Mar 9, 1930

Average_duration

:

100:04

Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny (Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny) is an opera composed by Kurt Weill with a libretto by Bertolt Brecht. The opera was composed between 1927 and 1930 and premiered in Leipzig, Germany, on March 9, 1930. The plot of the opera revolves around a fictional city called Mahagonny, which is a place where people can indulge in their vices without any consequences. The city is run by three entrepreneurs, who are more interested in making money than providing any real services to the people. The story follows the lives of several characters who come to Mahagonny seeking pleasure and escape from their problems. The first act of the opera introduces the audience to the city of Mahagonny and its inhabitants. We meet Jimmy, a fugitive who has come to the city to escape the law. He meets Jenny, a prostitute, and they fall in love. The second act sees the city of Mahagonny become more corrupt and decadent. The entrepreneurs start to exploit the people, and the citizens become more violent and unruly. Jimmy becomes disillusioned with the city and tries to leave, but he is caught and sentenced to death. The final act of the opera sees the downfall of the city of Mahagonny. The citizens revolt against the entrepreneurs, and the city is destroyed. Jimmy is executed, and Jenny is left alone to mourn his death. The music of Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny is characterized by its use of jazz and popular music styles. Weill's score includes a variety of musical genres, including blues, tango, and cabaret songs. The opera also features Brecht's signature style of epic theater, which emphasizes the political and social issues of the time. Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny was met with controversy upon its premiere, with some critics accusing the opera of promoting immorality and decadence. However, the opera has since become a classic of 20th-century opera and has been performed around the world. Its themes of corruption, greed, and the dangers of unchecked capitalism continue to resonate with audiences today.

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